Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 2021 - The City of ...
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Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021
Contents
Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 5
2. Our Focus ................................................................................................................................ 6
3. Key Actions for 2017- 2021 ...................................................................................................... 6
4. Domestic Animal Management Plan ........................................................................................ 8
68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans .............................................. 8
5. Background and Context.......................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Current Port Phillip Profile ................................................................................................. 9
5.2 Port Phillip and Domestic Animals in the Future.............................................................. 10
5.3 Domestic Animals Profile ................................................................................................ 12
6. Consultation ........................................................................................................................... 14
6.1 Animal Management Team and Internal Council Stakeholders ....................................... 14
6.2 Animal-Related Businesses or Services.......................................................................... 14
6.3 Community Survey Methodology .................................................................................... 14
6.4 Community Survey – Summary of Key Results ............................................................... 15
..................................................................................................................................................... 22
7. Animal Management Staffing and Structure ........................................................................... 23
8. Current Key Animal Management Initiatives........................................................................... 23
8.1 Lost Dogs Home – Working to Reunite Owners with their Pets ....................................... 23
8.2 Summer Amenity Program .............................................................................................. 23
8.3 Free Initial Pet Registration Scheme ............................................................................... 23
8.4 Free Registration Transfer .............................................................................................. 23
8.5 Providing Affordable Pet Desexing Options .................................................................... 23
9. Current Programs and Services ............................................................................................. 24
10. Strategic Directions for Animal Management ...................................................................... 27
10.1 Training of Authorised Officers ........................................................................................... 28
10.1.1 Current Situation ......................................................................................................... 28
10.1.2 Current and Ongoing Training Activities ...................................................................... 28
10.1.3 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 28
10.1.4 Plans – Training of Authorised Officers ....................................................................... 28
10.2 Registration and Identification ............................................................................................ 32
Strategic Objective - .................................................................................................................. 32
To ensure all lost animals are safely and quickly returned to their owners ................................. 32
2
Actions in this section address Sections 68A(2)(c)(v) and 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f) - by
outlining services and strategies to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and
cats. .......................................................................................................................................... 32
10.2.1 Current Situation ......................................................................................................... 32
10.2.2 Current and Ongoing Key Programs ........................................................................... 33
10.2.3 Current and Ongoing Community Education / Promotion Activities ............................. 33
10.2.4 Council Orders, Local Laws and Council Policies ........................................................ 33
10.2.5 Compliance Activities .................................................................................................. 34
10.2.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 34
10.2.7 Plans – Registration and Identification......................................................................... 35
10.3 Nuisance ............................................................................................................................ 37
10.3.1 Current Situation ......................................................................................................... 37
10.3.2 Current and Ongoing Key Programs ........................................................................... 38
10.3.3 Current and Ongoing Community Education / Promotion Activities ............................. 38
10.3.4 Council Orders, Local Laws and Council Policies ........................................................ 38
10.3.5 Compliance Activities .................................................................................................. 38
10.3.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 39
10.3.7 Plans – Nuisance ........................................................................................................ 40
10.4 Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs ............................................................. 44
10.4.1 Current Situation ......................................................................................................... 44
10.4.2 Current and Ongoing Key Programs ........................................................................... 44
10.4.3 Current and Ongoing Community Education / Promotion Activities ............................. 44
10.4.4 Council Orders, Local Laws and Council Policies ........................................................ 45
10.4.5 Compliance Activities .................................................................................................. 45
10.4.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 45
10.4.7 Plans – Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs ......................................... 46
10.5 Dog Attacks ........................................................................................................................ 47
10.5.1 Current Situation ......................................................................................................... 47
10.5.2 Current and Ongoing Key Programs ........................................................................... 47
10.5.3 Current and Ongoing Community Education / Promotion Activities ............................. 48
10.5.4 Council Orders, Local Laws and Council Policies ........................................................ 48
10.5.5 Compliance Activities .................................................................................................. 48
10.5.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 48
10.5.7 Plans – Dog Attacks .................................................................................................... 49
10.6 Overpopulation and Euthanasia ......................................................................................... 51
10.6.1 Current Situation ......................................................................................................... 51
10.6.2 Current and Ongoing Key Programs ........................................................................... 51
3
10.6.3 Current and Ongoing Community Education / Promotion Activities ............................. 52
10.6.4 Council Orders, Local Laws and Council Policies ........................................................ 52
10.6.5 Compliance Activities .................................................................................................. 52
10.6.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 52
10.6.7 Plans – Overpopulation and Euthanasia...................................................................... 53
10.7 Domestic Animal Businesses ............................................................................................. 55
10.7.1 Current Situation ......................................................................................................... 55
10.7.2 Current and Ongoing Community Education / Promotion Activities ............................. 55
10.7.3 Council Orders, Local Laws and Council Policies ........................................................ 55
10.7.4 Compliance Activities .................................................................................................. 55
10.7.5 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 55
10.7.6 Plans – Domestic Animal Businesses.......................................................................... 56
10.8 Community Education, Local Laws and Procedures ........................................................... 58
10.8.1 Council Local Laws, Orders and Processes ................................................................ 58
10.8.2 Communication and Education .................................................................................... 58
10.8.3 Plans – Community Education, Local Laws and Procedures ....................................... 58
11. Annual Review of Plan and Annual Reporting .................................................................... 61
11.1 Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Process............................................................ 61
11.2 Current and Future Reporting Activities .......................................................................... 61
11.3 Key Performance Indicators ............................................................................................ 62
11.4 Review Cycle / Date for this Plan .................................................................................... 62
12. Appendices ........................................................................................................................ 63
12.1 Appendix A: Dog Off Leash Areas – Parks and Reserves .............................................. 64
12.2 Appendix B: Dog Off Leash Areas - Beaches ................................................................ 65
4
1. Executive Summary
The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021 (Plan) is a four-year plan that provides a
strategic approach to the delivery of animal management services across the City of Port Phillip. It
builds on the achievements of the previous Plan.
The Plan was developed in consultation with Council’s Animal Management Team, and informed by
research, benchmarking and consultation activities.
The Plan is embedded in the City of Port Phillip Council Plan, Direction 4.1 Liveability in a High-
Density City, and Council’s budget activities and aligns with the broader strategic directions for the
municipality. It provides a sound basis and direction from which Council can plan and make future
decisions over the next four years, and relates back to the wider Council policy context.
The Plan delivers on our obligations under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, and has
the following objectives:
• Sets out a method for evaluating whether animal control services provided by Council are
adequate to give effect to the requirements of the Act and regulations.
• Outlines programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure they can properly
administer the requirements of the Act.
• Outlines programs, services and strategies to:
o Promote and encourage responsible ownership of dogs and cats;
o Ensure that people comply with the Act, regulations and any related legislation;
o Minimise risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals;
o Address over-population and euthanasia rates for dogs and cats;
o Encourage registration and identification of dogs and cats;
o Minimise potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and
o Effectively record all declared dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs
ensuring that these dogs are kept in compliance with the Act and regulations.
• Provides for review of existing orders and Local Laws made under the Act.
• Provides for review of any other matters related to management of dogs and cats.
• Provides for periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or review outlined in the
Plan.
This Plan contains a range of actions to be undertaken by Council to address these objectives.
5
2. Our Focus
Council is committed to promoting and enforcing responsible pet ownership and pet welfare. We
encourage responsible pet ownership practices and recognise the positive health and wellbeing
benefits associated with having pets.
The Plan focuses on education and awareness raising for pet owners, pet registration, managing
nuisance and dangerous dogs, keeping dogs under control in shared public spaces, the
management of pets so as not to adversely impact others, microchipping, desexing and encouraging
people to pick up after their dogs.
Council strives to maintain community safety and amenity by seeking to balance the needs of both
pet and non-pet owners. Council undertakes educative initiatives with the community on responsible
pet ownership, whilst also performing an enforcement role.
3. Key Actions for 2017- 2021
A summary of the key actions we will undertake over the next four years to address the state
government requirements and to meet community needs are included in Table 1 below:
6
No. Action Priority
1. Continue to implement programs that make it easier for residents to register their Medium -
pets. High
2. Undertake activities to better identify registration non-compliance. Medium -
High
3. Explore the opportunity to provide dog off leash area in the South West section of St Low-
Kilda Botanical Gardens Medium
4. Explore options to provide dog off leash areas along the beaches from 5.30-9.30 am Medium
where is it currently prohibited including Sandridge Beach (Sandridge), Middle Park
Beach (Middle Park), New Beach (Beacon Cove), West Beach (St Kilda), Port
Melbourne Beach (Port Melbourne), St Kilda Beach (St Kilda), South Melbourne
Beach (South Melbourne), Elwood Beach (Elwood)
5. Investigate fencing on Council owned and managed reserves as part of Council’s Medium
Public Space Strategy
6. Develop strategies to provide new residents (particularly those in apartment High
developments) animal registration and responsible pet ownership information.
7. Develop a pet registration kit for use by vets, domestic animal businesses, body Medium
corporate associations, real estate agents and the public housing sector.
8. Develop information and advice for body corporate associations and developers to Medium
provide guidance to assist them in dealing with nuisance animal issues.
9. Partner with Council’s Recreation teams to explore the enhancement of effective Medium -
responsible pet ownership features at parks and beach areas, including High
environmentally friendly options for dog waste disposal.
10. Utilise the Summer Amenity Program as an opportunity to enhance how we provide Medium -
education and advice regarding dog on / off leash requirements, identify unregistered High
pets and enforce compliance with regulations.
11. Utilise the ‘Who’s for Cats’ Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport Medium
and Resource (DEDJTR) campaign to raise community awareness about feral /
semi-owned cat population, and expand our cat cage program.
12. Partner with domestic animal businesses to promote the benefits of dog training Medium
initiatives to the community.
13. Investigate the development and introduction of an interactive ‘app’ for dog on and Low -
off leash areas in the municipality. Medium
14. Educate the community about the environmental impacts of dog poo. High
15. Explore option to provide consistent zones from 1 November to 31 March at the Medium
South Melbourne and Middle Park Beach
16. Explore option to extend dog off leash area from the rock groyne south of Point Medium
Ormond to the rock groyne at Elwood Sailing Club to avoid confusion for dog owners
17. Explore opportunity to provide a dog off leash area in Fisherman’s Bend Medium
18. Continue partnership with Australia Post to report dog issues. Low -
Medium
7
19. Enhance services to help owners reunite with their pets, including website and social High
media.
20. Promote the benefits of adopting animals to the community. Medium
21. Foster relationships with other Councils and government departments to share ideas, Medium -
data and information. High
22. Support Animal Management Officers to further develop their suite of skills, and Medium -
undertake detailed workforce planning to ensure effective animal management High
resourcing into the future.
23. Review the media and communication plan to ensure its effectiveness and continue Medium -
to include key messages for the community on animal management issues. Include High
development of a pet e-newsletter.
24. Review Council’s Local Laws, Orders and Processes. This may include: Medium
Review multiple pet permit conditions and processes.
Review barking dog protocols and processes.
4. Domestic Animal Management Plan
Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (The Act), every Council must prepare a
domestic animal management plan, as follows:
68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans
(1) Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the Department of
Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources) DEDJTR, prepare at 4
year intervals a domestic animal management plan.
(2) A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council must—
(a) set out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services provided by
the Council in its municipal district are adequate to give effect to the
requirements of this Act and the regulations; and
(b) outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they can
properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the Council's
municipal district; and
(c) outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue
in its municipal district—
(i) to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and cats;
and
(ii) to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related
legislation; and
(iii) to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and
(iv) to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and
cats; and
8(v) to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats; and
(vi) to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and
(vii) to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted
breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are kept in
compliance with this Act and the regulations; and
(d) provide for the review of existing orders made under this Act and local laws that
relate to the Council's municipal district with a view to determining whether
further orders or local laws dealing with the management of dogs and cats in
the municipal district are desirable;
(e) provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of dogs
and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary; and
(f) provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or review
outlined under the plan.
(3) Every Council must—
(a) review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate,
amend the plan; and
(b) provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the plan;
and
(c) publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.
5. Background and Context
5.1 Current Port Phillip Profile
Port Phillip is one of the smallest municipalities in Victoria, only 21 square kilometres, and the most
densely populated with more than twice the population density of the metropolitan Melbourne
average. It is comprised of nine neighbourhoods: Sandridge / Wirraway, St Kilda Road, South
Melbourne, Balaclava / East St Kilda, Elwood / Ripponlea, St Kilda / St Kilda West, Albert Park /
Middle Park, Montague, Port Melbourne.
9Port Phillip has a culturally and economically diverse population with a resident population of
100,863, with 57,867 dwellings. Port Phillip has a relatively young population with 48 per cent of the
population aged 20 to 34 years and a median age of 36 years. 90 per cent of residents living in
medium and high-density housing, the community are also on the move with 49 per cent of residents
renting (the Greater Melbourne average is 33 per cent).
Port Phillip is a popular inner-city area of Melbourne, attracting more than 2.8 million visitors each
year, making it one of the most visited places in metropolitan Melbourne, second only to the central
business district. The foreshore that stretches over 11 kilometres, and vast public open spaces,
make the City highly desirable to residents and visitors.
5.2 Port Phillip and Domestic Animals in the Future
It is estimated that the population in Port Phillip will grow to 167,876 by 2041. This represents a
population increase across the municipality of 51 per cent over the next 24 years. Significant
population growth is expected particularly in the Fishermans Bend renewal area on the northern
edge of the City, and in established neighbourhoods like St Kilda Road and South Melbourne.
Residential development forecasts assume the number of dwellings in Port Phillip will increase
correspondingly to 91,974 in 2041. There will be more demand for use of facilities in open space
areas by user groups, including residents who wish to walk their dogs. Council needs to be aware
of and mitigate the potential of increased nuisance complaints, attacks and dog waste with the
population increases of both people and animals.
Local government plays a key role in protecting and enhancing liveability and the wellbeing of our
current and future communities, and managing the issue of potential conflict between user groups
10as competition for use of facilities increases. This is particularly relevant for Port Phillip parks and
beach areas, which are highly utilised by both local residents and visitors to the municipality.
A very high proportion of the community currently lives in medium to high density housing
developments. This will continue to grow as the population increases and traditional homes are
replaced with high density living options. Council is seeking to partner with developers and body
corporate associations to reduce pet nuisance issues and increase registration compliance in
apartment complexes.
We can expect increasing demand for council services to be delivered online, and for engagement
through social media and other digital means. We will need to respond to this demand and think
about how we operate and support people to connect with Council, particularly those who have
limited online access and/or digital literacy. The digital shift will reshape how we deliver services.
115.3 Domestic Animals Profile A total of 9,678 dogs and cats are registered with the City of Port Phillip. The percentage of pets registered has increased by 14 per cent since 2008 and 8 per cent since 2012. This increase can be attributed to increased dog registrations (+30 per cent) as the number of cat registrations has declined (-10 per cent). 12
City of Port Phillip Key Statistics 2016-17
Population 100,863
Number of households 57,867
Geographic area of municipality 21 km2
EFT Authorised Animal Management Officers (AMO) 2.8
EFT Authorised AMO’s per 1000 households 0.05
Number of complaints or requests annually 2,413
Number of registration requests by CRM 1,137
Number of complaints and requests per AMO annually 861
Hours of animal management related training per AMO annually 33
Number of registered dogs 6,772
Number of registered declared dogs 0
Number of registered
(dangerous, menacingcats
or restricted breed) 2,906
Number of registered Domestic Animal Businesses 12
Number of Domestic Animal Business inspections 0
(no animals are sold via DAB’s in the municipality) (none sell pets)
Keeping of animals / excess animals permits issued 86
Number of successful prosecutions 2
Dogs impounded 120
Dogs impounded and reclaimed by owner 106
Dogs rehoused 5
Dogs euthanased 2
Cats impounded 159
Cats impounded and reclaimed by owner 27
Cats rehoused 28
Cats euthanased (55 of which were feral) 77
Number of cat cages issued (10 cages available) Not available
136. Consultation
This Plan was developed in consultation with:
The Port Phillip community.
Animal-related businesses or services.
Council’s Animal Management Team.
Internal Council stakeholders.
6.1 Animal Management Team and Internal Council Stakeholders
The Animal Management Team participated in a series of workshops in relation to the key animal
management issues in Port Phillip, to develop strategies to address these issues as part of this Plan.
An additional thirteen other Internal Council Stakeholders participated in a custom online survey to
gain specific feedback on the strategic direction for the new DAMP. Follow up conversations and
clarification was undertaken as required.
6.2 Animal-Related Businesses or Services
Twenty three Animal-Related Businesses or Services operating within the City of Port Phillip were
invited via email to participate in a custom online survey, specifically designed to seek industry
feedback on key issues to be addressed. A total of five valid responses were received and
processed.
6.3 Community Survey Methodology
Feedback was sought from across the municipality so that Council could consult to better understand
broader views in relation to issues that affect the community – with particular reference to dogs and
cats.
A questionnaire was developed and made available via Council’s online survey tool. Have Your Say
from 17 July to 7 Aug 2017. A hard copy survey was also made available for completion via Council’s
ASSIST team.
Additionally, a survey link was emailed directly to animal-related businesses or services, and internal
Council stakeholders to seek feedback and input from an industry perspective.
A total of 1,818 valid responses were received from the community and processed. A standard error
of +/- 2.3 per cent with a confidence interval of with a confidence interval of 97 per cent was achieved
(based on an approximate City of Port Phillip population of 110,967 a minimum of approximately 400
responses was required).
Outcomes of the survey responses were used to inform development of strategies for the draft Plan.
146.4 Community Survey – Summary of Key Results
We asked Community response
Pet ownership 74.3% (1332) own a dog
29.4% (460) own a cat
7% (127) out of 1,818 respondents
answered ‘no’ to both questions.
Pet registration process 94.2% (1650) have registered their cat or
dog
When registering:
54.1% (887) utilised Council’s
website
32.6% (535) attended Council in
person
13.2% (217) registered via mail
Satisfaction with the registration process
rated 4.4 out of 5.0.
Suggestions to make it easier for residents Top suggestions:
to register their pets Happy - no comment (8.6%) (156)
Online services (4.1%) (75)
Reduce cost – general (2.5%) (46)
Ideas for caring for dogs and cats in 34.9% (626) have an apartment in Port
apartments Phillip
Top ideas:
Education / awareness initiatives –
responsible ownership (7.4%) (135)
Promote social / exercise benefits of
dog ownership / walking (5.4%) (99)
Animal welfare – encourage (5.4%)
(66)
Visitation to parks and reserves, Most visited parks and reserves:
and beaches in the last 12 months Gasworks Park, Albert Park (46.2%)
(840)
Peanut Farm Reserve, St Kilda
(26.7%) (486)
Alma Park East, St Kilda (24.7%)
(448)
Most visited beaches:
Port Melbourne Beach (50.5%) (97)
St Kilda Beach (48.8%) (887)
Middle Park Beach (44.7%) (812)
15Do dog off leash beach areas provide a 84.7% (1489) reported ‘yes’
good balance for all users? 15.3% (270) reported ‘no’
Upon cross tabulation by user type, there
was not a great deal of difference of opinion
evident between dog owners and non-dog
owners.
Respondents who reported ‘no’ were invited
to provide further comment. Top
comments:
Reduce time / date restrictions
for dogs on beaches (6.1%)
(110)
More off leash beaches (2.4%)
(44)
Enforcement – general (1.7%)
(31)
Of all relevant comment themes (154), the
large majority of these relate to the need to
reduce the summer time / daylight savings
restrictions on beach areas in general
across the municipality.
There were a small number of comments
about specific beaches: Port Melbourne
(11), St Kilda (8), South Melbourne (3),
Elwood Beach (4), West Beach St Kilda (3),
Middle Park (2), Albert Park (1), Lagoon
Pier-Kerferd Rd Pier (1).
Do dog off leash park areas provide a good 86.8% (1511) reported ‘yes’
balance for all users 13.2% (230) reported ‘no’
Respondents who reported ‘no’ were invited
to provide further comment. Top
comments:
More off leash areas – general
(3.2%) (58)
More safe / appropriate / fenced
off leash areas (2.8%) (50)
Dogs should be on lead at all
times in public (1.5%) (28)
Of all relevant comments (108), the large
majority of these relate to issues with mixed
use parks and reserves in general (e.g. off
leash / sports fields / playgrounds etc.), and
the need to fence dog off leash areas.
There were a small number of comments
about increasing off leash parks in the
following areas: Elwood (3), Gasworks (2),
Albert Park (3), Middle Park (1), South
Melbourne (1), Ripponlea (1), St Kilda (2).
16Dog off leash areas – further comment Top comments:
More safe / appropriate / fenced
off leash areas (9.5%) (173)
Poo bags / bins (9.1%) (165)
Enforcement – general (4.9%)
(89)
Reduce dates / times /
restrictions for dogs on beaches
(4.3%) (79)
Maintain status quo (4.2%) (76)
Dog issues noticed in Port Phillip in the last Top issues noted from checklist:
year o Dog poo not being picked up by
(provided respondents with a checklist) owners (71.3%) (1296)
o Dog off leash when they shouldn’t
be (37.4%) (679)
o Dogs in off leash areas who won’t
obey their owners commands
(30.6%) (556)
o Dogs annoying or intimidating other
dogs (28.2%) (512)
Other specific dog issues Top comments:
(other issues noted in addition to the Enforcement – general (10.5%)
checklist) (190)
Poo bags / bins (7.6%) (138)
Education / awareness initiatives –
responsible pet ownership (6.4%)
(116)
Have you notified Council about a concern 11.4% (172) reported ‘yes’
with a dog’s behaviour? 88.6% (1332) reported ‘no’
Dogs – other comments or ideas Top comments:
Maintain status quo (5.3%) (97)
Education / awareness initiatives –
responsible pet ownership (4.8%)
(88)
Poo bags / bins (4.1%) (75)
Have you had any concerns about cats on 13.7% (244) reported ‘yes’
your property? 86.3% (1540) reported ‘no’
Details of concerns – top comments:
Confine / contain cats 24 hours
(7.1%) (129)
Cat curfew – night (3.1%) (57)
Wildlife – minimise impacts (3.0%)
(54)
17Cats – other comments or ideas Top comments:
1. Cat curfew – night (4.5%) (82)
2. Confine / contain cats 24 hours
(3.0% (79))
3. Wildlife – minimise impacts
(2.4%) (55)
6.5 Community Feedback on Draft Plan
A questionnaire was made available via Council’s online survey tool - Have Your Say from 25
September to 9 October 2017.
The Community was encouraged to view the draft Plan and provide feedback, including suggestions
for anything else that they would like to see in the Plan.
The consultation was promoted via Council’s website, media releases and social media posts on
Council’s Facebook page. 85 people provided their feedback. 81 via Have Your Say, 1 uploaded
submission and 3 email submissions.
Outcomes of the feedback were used to inform refinement of strategies outlined in the draft Domestic
Animal Management Plan. The following provides an overall snapshot of results through the analysis
of community feedback responses received. Comments provided by the community have been
individually categorised into comment themes, and presented as summary tables.
Some comments contained more than one theme, or topic – and have been categorised accordingly.
Comment categories arising from draft DAMP 2017-21
Have Your Say & Email submissions Frequency Comment type
85 people provided their feedback (81 via Have Your Say / 1 (count) (Positive,
uploaded submission / 3 email submissions) negative
Some respondents provided comment on multiple topics. or suggestion)
Training of Authorised Officers
Staffing - resourcing issues 1 negative
Total comments themes - Training of Authorised Officers 1
Registration and Identification
Dog tags - lifetime - improve quality / longevity 1 suggestion
New registrations - offer free 1 year membership Hobsons Bay
Obedience Club 1 suggestion
Vets - provide registration forms 1 suggestion
Vets - report to Council unmicrochipped pets 1 suggestion
Reduce registration fees 1 suggestion
Interagency data sharing of pet information 1 suggestion
Total comment themes - Registration and Identification 6
18Nuisance
Poo
Facilities - poo bags needed 17 suggestion
Dog waste - increase priority of initiative in DAMP 3 suggestion
Dog waste - consider environmentally friendly options for
collection 1 suggestion
Dog waste - increase penalties 1 suggestion
Dog waste - increase power to enforce 1 suggestion
Enforcement / Patrols / Reporting
Increase patrols 4 suggestion
Non compliance regarding control of dogs in public places -
increase priority of initiative in DAMP 1 suggestion
Summer Amenity Program - increase priority of initiative in
DAMP 1 suggestion
Dogs off leash - more enforcement 1 suggestion
Enforcement - enhance by authorising parking inspectors also 1 suggestion
Enhance connection with Australia Post for residents to lodge
feedback 1 suggestion
Dog leads - retractable - ban them 1 suggestion
Council responsiveness to enquiry re dogs in shops - slow 1 negative
Difficulty in reporting unidentified pets / owners 1 negative
Facilities and Features in Park Areas
Facilities - fencing - general 2 suggestion
Facilities - fencing - Gasworks Park 2 suggestion
Facilities - fencing - Alma Park 1 suggestion
Facilities - fencing - Lagoon Reserve Port Melbourne 1 suggestion
Enhance features in Parks - increase priority of initiative in
DAMP 1 suggestion
Facilities - dog hooks / dog parking 1 suggestion
Facilities - dog water bowls 1 suggestion
Signage
Signage - improve - general 2 suggestion
Signage - alerting cyclists to slow down in parks 1 suggestion
Signage - clearly identify requirements 1 suggestion
Signage - state consequences / penalties for non compliance 1 suggestion
Signage - to enforce dogs under effective control 1 suggestion
Limiting Number of Dogs that Can Be Walked at Any One
Time
Limiting number of dogs to be walked at one time - disagree /
have issues with this DAMP initative 16 negative
Dog walkers - commercial - concerns - Albert Park 1 negative
19Dogs in Shops / Café Areas Dogs - ban from restaurants and cafes 1 suggestion Dogs - issues with dogs in shops 1 negative Dogs Barking Review barking dogs protocols and procedures - increase priority of initiative in DAMP 1 suggestion Dogs barking - concerns with fairness of evaluation process 1 negative Dogs barking - nuisance - general 1 negative Dog Off Leash Areas dog off leash areas - support additional / extended off leash areas 4 positive Dog off leash areas - opposed to area in St Kilda Botanical Gardens 4 negative Dog off leash areas - opposed to additional / extended off leash areas 1 negative Dog off leash areas - confusion with maps 1 negative Dogs off leash - issues with non compliance of dog owners 1 negative Dogs off leash - Wimbledon Avenue - issues 1 negative Dog off leash areas - creation of app - include facility for landowners to offer private gardens for dog play 1 suggestion Dog off leash areas - need a separate area for small dogs only 1 suggestion Dog off leash areas - Port Melbourne - Evans Street Park - make it a dog off leash area 1 suggestion Dog off leash areas explore options for additional - increase priority of initiative in DAMP 1 suggestion Dogs on Beaches Dogs on beaches - clarity and consistency in approach / times is required 2 negative Dogs on beaches - opposed to additional / extended off leash beach areas 1 negative Dogs on beaches - issues with non compliance of dog owners 1 negative Dogs on beaches - opposed to dogs on Elwood Beach 1 negative Dogs on beaches - opposed to extending area near Elwood Sailing Club 1 negative Dogs on beaches - reduce restrictions - general 1 suggestion Dogs on beaches - reduce restrictions to include early morning / late evening 1 suggestion Dogs on beaches - St Kilda Beach - allow from 7.30pm to 10am 1 suggestion Dogs on beaches - New Beach - reduce restrictions from 5.30am to 9.30am 1 suggestion 20
Cats
Cats - confinement required 3 negative
Cats - wildlife issues 2 negative
Total comment themes - Nuisance 102
Dog Attacks
Dog attacks - enforce socialistion of all puppies 1 suggestion
Dog attacks - education not an appropriate response 1 negative
Dogs off leash - attacks on other dogs 1 negative
Total comment themes - Dog Attacks 2
Overpopulation and Euthanasia
Pound collection time extension beyond 8 days 1 suggestion
Housing type and suitability of pets - should be considered 1 suggestion
Total comment themes - Overpopulation and Euthanasia 2
Domestic Animal Businesses
Pet shops - no pets to be sold 1 suggestion
Total comment themes - Domestic Animal Businesses 1
Community Education, Local Laws and Procedures
Communications - dog waste campaign 1 suggestion
Communications - education with registration regarding
compliance with leash requirements 1 suggestion
Communications - online - to reunite lost pets 1 suggestion
Communications - promote adoption - increase priority 1 suggestion
Media and Communications Plan - reduce priority of initiative in
DAMP 1 suggestion
Education - provide map and rules to new registrations 1 suggestion
Dogs barking - flyer with rates outlining responsibilities 1 suggestion
Total comment themes - Community Education, Local Laws
and Procedures 7
General Positive Comments
Positive comment - Council support with previous animal
related issue 1 positive
Positive comment - DAMP initiatives 16 positive
Total comment themes - General Positive Comments 17
General Negative Comments
Consultation - ineffective / not related to DAMP 2 negative
DAMP - overall anti-animal and revenue raising 1 negative
Document layout - DAMP - improve appearance 1 negative
21Priorities - switch up the low-medium with the high revenue raising priorities 1 negative St Kilda beach - requires cleaning 1 negative DAMP prioritises registration initiatives - revenue raising by Council 4 negative Total comment themes - General Negative Comments 10 General Non-Specific Comments Possums are a problem 1 suggestion Funding - include information on how initiatives will be funded 1 suggestion Total comment themes - General Non Specific 2 22
7. Animal Management Staffing and Structure
The Animal Management Unit at City of Port Phillip forms part of the Safety & Amenity Department.
The team is comprised of:
Coordinator (0.5 FTE)
Animal Management Officers (2.8 FTE)
Business Support Officer (1.0 FTE)
Animal Management Services are primarily provided from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday with
additional on call services provided to respond to dog attacks or to assist the police with dog related
issues. Animal Management Officers undertake proactive initiatives to minimise nuisance and risk
to the safety of the community. This includes education and provision of advice, negotiation with
residents, and proactive patrols of parks and beach areas outside of regular business hours.
During summer and other peak periods, Animal Management Officers partner with Council’s
Summer Amenity Team to provide extended patrols of beach areas from early morning until late
evening.
An After Hours Service is provided by the Lost Dogs Home for the collection of lost cats and dogs.
The Lost Dogs Home also collects injured animals that are in a public place and are not in the care
of their owner, including coordination of emergency after-hours veterinary care as required.
Animal Management Officers have access to the registration database to assist with identifying and
returning animals to their owners. Officers avoid taking animals to the Lost Dogs Home wherever
possible, as the welfare of animals is of high priority. Enforcement actions against owners are
undertaken where required, often after animals have been returned to their home environment.
238. Current Key Animal Management Initiatives
8.1 Lost Dogs Home – Working to Reunite Owners with their Pets
Council contracts its pound services to The Lost Dogs Home. Under this contract, The Lost Dogs
Home provides Port Phillip’s Pound facilities. The Lost Dogs Home is open to the public every day
(except Christmas Day and Good Friday).
Council supports responsible animal ownership programs for the community by partnering with the
Lost Dogs Home to strive towards improved rates of pet reunification and rehousing.
Council considers reunification of pets with their owners to be a high priority, and integral to the
welfare of animals.
8.2 Summer Amenity Program
Port Phillip is a popular inner-city area of Melbourne, attracting more than 2.8 million visitors each
year, making it one of the most visited places in metropolitan Melbourne, second only to the central
business district. The foreshore that stretches over 11 kilometres, and vast public open spaces,
make the City highly desirable to residents and visitors.
During the summer peak period, Council’s Animal Management Team partners with the Summer
Amenity Team to provide continuous presence on foreshore areas from early morning until late
evening.
8.3 Free Initial Pet Registration Scheme
Council strives to increase registration compliance across the municipality. To this end, we provide
a Free Initial Registration Scheme to residents. Residents that microchip and register their animals
within four weeks of taking ownership are eligible for free initial registration. A receipt of purchase
must be provided with registration applications.
8.4 Free Registration Transfer
Council provides free transfer of registration when moving registered animals from other Victorian
municipalities. Proof of registration for the current year must be provided with registration
applications.
8.5 Providing Affordable Pet Desexing Options
Council facilitates a discounted desexing voucher scheme to assist concession and pension card
holders, and to reduce the number of unwanted animals in the community. We seek opportunities
wherever possible to support positive community and animal welfare outcomes.
249. Current Programs and Services
A comprehensive list of our current domestic animal management programs and services are listed
below:
Program Service Level to Community
Identification and Annual registration renewal notices, and follow up
Registration process, including the introduction of SMS reminders in
2018.
A free initial registration incentive program for owners
who register their microchipped pets within 4 weeks of
taking ownership.
Free transfer of registration when moving registered
animals from other Victorian municipalities.
Lifetime registration tags.
Online registration forms and system for both renewals
and new registrations.
Periodic cross referencing of CAR database with
Council’s animal registration database.
Animal Nuisance Response within 24 hours.
Complaints Online FAQ / help information.
(including barking dogs) Online system for lodging complaints.
Dog Complaints Immediate response if situation is deemed as
(dog wandering / attacks / dangerous.
rushes) Otherwise, response within 24 hours.
Online system for lodging complaints.
Animal welfare / cruelty Immediate response if situation is deemed urgent.
matters Otherwise, response same day.
We liaise with and report animal welfare / cruelty matters
to the RSPCA for action.
Online system for lodging complaints.
Park / Street / Beach Routine patrols of parks, reserves and beach areas.
Patrols Proactive patrols in focused areas as required. This
includes early starts for identified hotspots or areas with
emerging issues.
Extended patrols during peak / summer periods - with
particular focus on foreshore areas. Partnership with
Summer Amenity Team to provide presence from
6.30am to 9.00pm. Extends to 11pm on New Year’s
Eve.
Pound Facilities Lost Dogs Home is open to the public 10.00am to
6.00pm, Monday to Thursday; 10.00am to 4.45pm
Friday; 9.00am to 3.30pm Saturday, 9.00am to 12.30pm
Sunday and Public Holidays (closed Christmas Day and
Good Friday)
Address is 2 Gracie Street, North Melbourne.
Online ‘lost dog’ and ‘lost cat’ search facility launched 22
August 2017
25 Community and animal welfare based outcomes
wherever possible – work hard to reunite animals with
owners at first point, without taking to the Pound.
Education and Promotion Education through schools’ Responsible Pet Ownership
program.
Media and communications strategy in place, including
but not limited to a range of activities across the year:
Social media.
Media releases.
Advertorial.
Council magazine.
Brochures and fact sheets.
Website information.
Desexing Voucher Scheme Discounted desexing vouchers provided for concession
(MAV/AVA) and pension card holders.
After Hours Services The After Hours Service operates 365 days a year,
(Call 8290 1333) utilising the services of the Lost Dogs Home for this
function.
The Lost Dogs Home collects contained animals.
The Lost Dogs Home collects injured animals that are in
a public place and are not in the care of their owner,
including coordination of emergency after-hours
veterinary care as required.
Trespassing Cat Complaints Cat cages are available for the public to utilize, to
confine nuisance, unowned or feral cats.
Strict protocols are in place governing the use of these
cages to ensure that the welfare of the confined cats is
protected.
Online system for lodging complaints.
Domestic Animal Business Issue annual registration certificates.
Inspections Respond to and investigate complaints.
Declared Dogs City of Port Phillip currently has no registered declared
(Dangerous / Menacing or dogs.
Restricted Breed) Annual inspections to be undertaken in accordance with
DAA legislation should residents apply to have such
dogs registered in the future.
Dogs on / off leash Orders are in place restricting dogs off leash to
designated areas and times in certain reserves and
beach areas.
Orders are in place prohibiting dogs in certain reserves
and beach areas.
2610. Strategic Directions for Animal Management
27The seven strategic objectives specified by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs,
Transport and Resources to be included in the Plan include the following:
1. Training of Authorised officers;
2. Registration and Identification;
3. Nuisance;
4. Dog Attacks;
5. Dangerous, Menacing & Restricted Breed Dogs;
6. Population and Euthanasia; and
7. Domestic Animal Businesses.
The actions and activities to achieve the above strategic objectives are documented in this section.
10.1 Training of Authorised Officers
Strategic Objective -
To ensure that all staff involved in animal management have the knowledge and skills necessary to
carry out their work
Actions in this section address Section 68(A)(2)(b) of the Domestic Animals Act by outlining
programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they can properly administer and
enforce the requirements of this Act.
10.1.1 Current Situation
The Animal Management Unit at City of Port Phillip forms part of the Safety & Amenity Department.
Council employs the services of 2.8 FTE Animal Management Officers and 0.5 FTE Animal
Management Coordinator and 1 FTE Business Support Officer.
The objective of training and development is to ensure that all staff involved in animal management
have the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their work. Animal management staff at Port
Phillip are expected to hold a minimum Certificate 4 in Animal Control and Regulation. This
qualification addresses the skills of communication, animal handling, report writing, investigation and
time management.
An annual training program is developed with each staff member to ensure Officers receive
appropriate skills maintenance and development throughout the year, including opportunities to
attend industry-related training workshops and seminars.
The average amount of animal management training provided to Officers on an annual basis is
currently 33 hours.
10.1.2 Current and Ongoing Training Activities
Individual staff training and development programs developed and reviewed annually, in
accordance with Port Phillip’s organisational performance development program.
28 Staff participate in on the job training, including ongoing coaching and mentoring opportunities.
Staff represent the municipality on industry boards and committees.
The Animal Management Unit works in accordance to the detailed guidelines provided in the
Procedures and Protocols Manual (appendix to City of Port Phillip Local Law No. 1).
10.1.3 Summary
Council ensures that animal management officers are fully trained. Currently all officers possess
Certificate 4 in Animal Control and Regulation, or equivalent. Future challenges involve developing
a detailed response to the projected population increase, so that effective animal management
service provision is continued to the community in the future.
10.1.4 Plans – Training of Authorised Officers
Please refer to tables below for actions and planned activities.
Action 1: Support Officers to undertake ongoing training and skill development.
# Strategic Activity When Evaluation
Direction
1.1 Training of Continue to review and provide animal Annually Training
Authorised management training as part of annual register
Officers performance development planning process developed
for Officers. This may include, but is not and
limited to: incorporated
Animal handling into the
Dog training Employee
Plans.
Investigation & case management
OH&S
Occupational violence training
1.2 Training of Animal Management Officers attendance at Ongoing Number of
Authorised industry training and network sessions. sessions
Officers attended by
Animal
Management
Officers
1.3 Training of Provide formal CRAF (Common Risk Dec 100% of
Authorised Assessment Framework) training, or similar, 2018 Animal
Officers to any new Animal Management Officers. Management
Officers
This training assists professionals who work
having
with victims of family violence and play a
attended
role in initial risk assessment, but for whom
Domestic
responses to family violence are not their
Violence
only core business.
Training
29Action 2: Undertake detailed workforce planning to ensure animal management functions
are effectively resourced both now and in the future.
# Strategic Activity When Evaluation
Direction
2.1 Training of Review City of Port Phillip demographic profile By Analysis and
Authorised and conduct workforce planning exercise. Dec planning
Officers 2018 complete.
This is of particular relevance to the expected
significant population growth the Fishermans
Bend renewal area on the northern edge of the
City, and in established neighbourhoods like
St Kilda Road and South Melbourne.
Action 3: Implement mobility in the field for Officers to improve efficiency and customer
service.
# Strategic Activity When Evaluation
Direction
3.1 Training of Implement mobility technology to enable By Mobility
Authorised officers to improve efficiency and provide Dec technology
Officers timely, quality services in the field. 2018 implemented
and outcomes
monitored
Action 4: To review and update Animal Management processes to achieve best practice
standards.
# Strategic Activity When Evaluation
Direction
4.1 Training of Continue to review and update Animal Ongoing Number of
Authorised Management processes mapped on processes
Officers Promapp (i.e. continuous quality reviewed and
improvement). updated each
year.
Dates and
improvements
recorded in
Promapp
304.2 Training of To discuss legislative changes and review Ongoing Compliance
Authorised performance data at team meetings with Domestic
Officers Animals Act
and KPIs
achieved.
10.2 Registration and Identification
Strategic Objective -
To ensure all lost animals are safely and quickly returned to their owners
Actions in this section address Sections 68A(2)(c)(v) and 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f) - by outlining
services and strategies to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats.
10.2.1 Current Situation
Port Phillip has implemented programs to encourage and make it easier for residents to register their
pets. Streamlined online registration facilities are provided for both renewals and new registrations,
thus expanding the accessibility of service channels available to the community.
A free initial registration program is available to owners who register their microchipped pets within
four weeks of taking ownership; and registered pets from other municipalities are transferred free of
charge when moving into the municipality.
The Animal Management Team seeks to encourage registration compliance, and undertakes
periodic cross referencing of microchipping databases with Council’s animal registration database.
Outstanding items from the annual renewal process are also followed up. In 2018, SMS reminders
will be introduced.
Council supports responsible animal ownership programs for the community by partnering with the
Lost Dogs Home to strive towards improved rates of pet reunification and rehousing.
Year Resident Cat Dog Total Registered
Population Registrations Registrations Cats and Dogs
2008 93,174 3,215 5,278 8,493
2012 99,902 2,934 6,013 8,947
2017 100,863 2,906 6,772 9,678
% change +8% -10% +30% +14%
2008 to 2017
A total of 9,678 dogs and cats are registered with the City of Port Phillip. The percentage of pets
registered has increased by 14 per cent since 2008 and 8 per cent since 2012. This increase can be
attributed to increased dog registrations (+30 per cent) as the number of cat registrations has
declined (-10 per cent).
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